Whether you’re honoring a top-performing team, celebrating years of service, or showing appreciation to a community leader, few things say “thank you” like a well-designed glass award. There’s something about the weight, clarity, and craftsmanship of a glass piece that elevates a moment of recognition beyond the ordinary.
In a city like Chicago—home to world-class businesses, nonprofit organizations, and cultural institutions—you’ll find no shortage of award needs. And thankfully, the Windy City is also home to some of the best award makers in the country. This guide highlights the top glass award providers in Chicago, what makes each one stand out, and how to choose the right vendor for your next event.
What to Look For in a Glass Award Provider
Not all awards are created equal, especially when it comes to glass. The best providers deliver more than a sleek finish—they offer service, selection, and the ability to bring your vision to life.
Here are a few things to look for when choosing a provider:
- High-Quality Materials: Optical crystal and thick, polished glass set apart premium awards from budget alternatives.
- Custom Design Capabilities: From logo etching to 3D engraving, the best shops offer multiple levels of personalization.
- Speed and Flexibility: A great provider can turn around awards quickly, especially for last-minute events.
- Local Presence: When you’re in a time crunch, working with a local Chicago-based vendor gives you peace of mind.
1. Viking Awards – Best Overall Glass Awards Provider
📍 10405 W Cermak Rd, Westchester, IL 60154
Viking Awards is a go-to name for glass and crystal recognition in Chicagoland—and with good reason. They offer everything from modern art glass sculptures to classic beveled plaques. What sets Viking apart is their balance of local, hands-on service with the kind of product range you’d expect from a national brand.
Customers can choose from a wide variety of shapes including flame, star, diamond, and oval forms—all available with custom engraving. Need something more personal? Viking’s team works directly with clients to design custom awards from the ground up. Whether you’re ordering for ten employees or two hundred honorees, they can scale the project without losing the polish or detail.
Their in-house production capabilities and Westchester showroom make it easy to collaborate, review proofs, and get expert input. Plus, they’re known for fast turnaround, so if you’re on a deadline, they’ve got your back.
2. Chicago Award Source – Known for Professionalism and Design
📍 1236 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607
https://www.chicagoawardsource.com
Located in the heart of the West Loop, Chicago Award Source combines a sleek urban showroom with top-tier production capabilities. Their glass awards range from traditional rectangle plaques to creative sculptural pieces. They also offer jade glass, optical crystal, and deep-etched engraving options for a clean and elegant look.
What makes them stand out is their focus on corporate clients. Whether it’s a quarterly sales award or a CEO retirement, Chicago Award Source handles projects with polish. They provide on-site consultations and have a reputation for reliability—something you want when a major event is on the line.
Their online catalog makes it easy to browse, customize, and order directly, but their team is also readily available for hands-on design support.
3. Awards and Fine Gifts – Great for Creative Custom Orders
📍 2616 W Peterson Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
https://www.awardsandfinegifts.com
If you’re looking for a vendor that goes beyond the catalog, Awards and Fine Gifts is a hidden gem. They specialize in unique, made-to-order awards, including art glass, crystal towers, and even themed awards for entertainment and nonprofit events.
Their glass offerings include color-accented pieces, multi-layered designs, and freestanding awards that double as décor. It’s a perfect match for organizations looking to create a standout experience for honorees.
Clients rave about their creative flexibility and the personal touch they bring to each project. If you’ve got a vision, this team can bring it to life—whether it’s a one-off award for a founder or a dozen pieces for a company gala.
4. EDCO Awards & Specialties – National Powerhouse, Local Reach
📍 Online Only – Ships to Chicago
https://www.edco.com
Though not based in Chicago, EDCO is one of the largest national award manufacturers and ships quickly throughout the Chicago area. Their glass award catalog is enormous, including clear glass, jade glass, and premium crystal options in every shape imaginable.
What makes EDCO a strong contender for local buyers is their pricing and turnaround. If you’re in a pinch or managing awards across multiple cities, they offer great bulk discounts, engraving services, and fast shipping.
While you won’t get the same level of personal consultation as a local storefront, EDCO’s streamlined online ordering and strong customer service make it a top option for companies with large or repeat orders.
5. Trophies Are Us – Affordable and Family-Owned
📍 3030 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
https://www.trophiesareuschicago.com
For those seeking value and community support, Trophies Are Us is a longtime local business offering affordable glass and acrylic award options. Their selection isn’t as wide as some others on this list, but what they do offer is reliable service, friendly staff, and custom engraving at a competitive price.
They serve schools, local leagues, and neighborhood businesses, so if you’re hosting a community event or working with a modest budget, this is a great place to start. Turnaround is quick, and you can often pick up in-store to avoid shipping fees or delays.
How to Choose the Right Glass Award
When you’re picking out a glass award, it’s not just about budget or quantity. It’s about creating a lasting impression for the person receiving it. Whether you’re recognizing an executive’s milestone, a top performer in your company, or a community hero, the right award should match the level of prestige and effort.
Here are a few practical tips to guide your selection:
Consider the Occasion
Glass awards come in a variety of styles, and some are more suited to formal events than others. A clear glass obelisk or globe-topped award feels appropriate for corporate and international recognition. On the other hand, a jade glass plaque or a star-shaped piece might be better for team recognition or department-level wins.
Think About Displayability
Ask yourself: Will the recipient proudly display this on their desk, shelf, or wall? Freestanding awards with clean lines are ideal for desks and bookshelves. If the award is meant to hang, make sure the vendor offers mounting hardware or wall brackets.
Custom Engraving Quality
Good engraving makes a big difference. Look for providers that offer sandblasting or laser etching rather than printed or stickered designs. The engraving should be deep, crisp, and resistant to wear over time. It’s often worth paying a little more for etching that truly elevates the look.
Lead Time and Revisions
Always check lead times, especially if you’re ordering in bulk. Some providers require 5–10 business days for glass awards due to production and personalization. And if this is your first time ordering, choose a company that offers a proofing process so you can review layout and spelling before final production.
Popular Styles of Glass Awards
To help you navigate the options, here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types of glass awards you’ll find in Chicago—and when to use them:
1. Jade Glass
This has a subtle green tint and is slightly more affordable than pure optical glass. It’s great for employee recognition, thank-you gifts, and budget-friendly award ceremonies.
2. Clear Optical Crystal
Optical crystal is flawless, polished, and brilliantly clear. It’s heavier and more premium, making it ideal for C-suite recognition, annual sales awards, and special presentations.
3. Art Glass
These are colorful, hand-blown pieces that double as décor. Art glass awards are bold, artistic, and perfect for creative industries or nonprofits.
4. Edge Glass Plaques
These combine glass with a metal or acrylic base, offering a modern aesthetic. Perfect for tech companies, startups, or modern office environments.
5. Glass Towers and Obelisks
These vertical awards carry a ton of presence. They often come with bases (black, clear, or colored) and are great for “Top Performer” or “Lifetime Achievement” style awards.
Why Glass Awards Stand Out in Chicago
Chicago is home to hundreds of recognition events every year—from corporate galas to nonprofit fundraisers and sports banquets. What makes glass awards a smart pick in this city?
- Timeless Style: Glass goes with everything. It looks elegant whether displayed in a downtown office or a home trophy case.
- Durability: Unlike acrylic, real glass resists scratching and doesn’t yellow over time.
- Prestige: It simply feels more valuable. When someone receives a heavy, beautifully etched glass piece, it feels like they’ve truly earned something.
And with providers like Viking Awards in nearby Westchester and others throughout the metro area, it’s easy to find vendors who can deliver quality and meet your vision.
Choosing the Right Partner for Glass Awards in Chicago
No matter what type of award you need, the vendor you choose plays a big role in the final product. Whether you’re after high-end executive awards or a dozen pieces for team recognition, Chicago offers an impressive range of local providers.
- If you’re looking for boutique craftsmanship and elite service, Viking Awards is your top choice.
- For easy, fast ordering with tons of options, EDCO or Chicago Award Source can get the job done.
- And if you want a custom conversation-starting piece, Awards and Fine Gifts brings vision to life with art glass and deep personalization.
The next time your organization is gearing up to celebrate success, don’t settle for anything generic. A great glass award becomes part of your culture—it inspires, motivates, and honors in a way that lasts well beyond the applause.
